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NEWPORT — Despite reports to the contrary the AnC Bio biomedical project is not being given special scrutiny by the state.

State regulators are taking a closer look at all EB-5 projects in Vermont in light of stronger federal requirements and increased use of the visa program by Vermont businesses.

Last summer Governor Peter Shumlin asked the Department of Financial Regulation to get involved in overseeing EB-5 projects in the state, said Pat Moulton, commissioner of the Agency of Commerce and Community Development (ACCD), on Monday.

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NEWPORT — Police say they arrested a man Sunday night whose pockets bulged with drugs and guns stolen from the Newport Police Department’s evidence room. The thefts could place some prosecutions in jeopardy, according to the affidavit filed in the case by State Police Sergeant Matthew Amadon.

Orleans County State’s Attorney Jennifer Barrett declined to comment on what effect the theft might have on her office’s work. She said it will take several days to review cases connected to the stolen evidence.

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Scott Whitehouse of Newport took the Penguin Plunge Sunday. Though he’s new to the area, he raised $300 for Special Olympics Vermont. Photos by David Dudley

copyright the Chronicle February 4, 2015

by David Dudley

NEWPORT — Before the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge took the Internet by storm, there was the Penguin Plunge. Now in its thirteenth year, the Penguin Plunge drew participants from all over the Northeast Kingdom to raise money and awareness about the Special Olympics by taking a dip in the frigid waters of Lake Memphremagog.

Liza Reed, special events manager at Special Olympics Vermont, has organized the event for the past three years. At Sunday’s Plunge, she said they were hoping to match last year’s mark of $30,000.

“We have teams from all over the Northeast Kingdom,” Ms. Reed said. “We have 130 participants this year, so we’re confident that we will at least match last year’s number. That is, if we don’t surpass it.”

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Matthew Duncan soared over Thunderbird defenders to hit this sweet finger roll. Duncan finished with 12 points on the night. Photos by David Dudley

copyright the Chronicle January 21, 2015

by David Dudley

NEWPORT — The North Country Union High School Falcons defeated the Missisquoi Valley Union High School Thunderbirds 65-53 Friday. Led by senior guard Keenan Warner, who scored the game high of 15 points, the Falcons jumped on the Thunderbirds early on and never let up.

Falcons coach Ed Duncan was pleased with his team, who defeated the Thunderbirds by five points in their previous meeting.

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The film Are We Crazy About Our Kids? will air at the North Country Career Center in Newport on Thursday, January 29, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., in room 380. A panel discussion will follow, and a light meal will be provided.

Economists are worried about how much we spend on early care and education in America — not because we spend too much, but because we spend too little. Are We Crazy About Our Kids? explores how investments in high quality, early care and preschool yield huge personal and social benefits, and pay for themselves many times over.

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In the article on Vermont gang activity, we quoted Brian Mclaughlin as saying the Latin Kings have a presence in Barton. Mr. Mclaughlin has contacted the Chronicle to say the quote was accurate, but he only used Barton as an example of a small community where a gang might turn up. The Latin Kings do not have a house in Barton, Mr. Mclaughlin now says.

copyright the Chronicle December 10, 2014

by Joseph Gresser

NEWPORT — Gangs don’t appreciate Vermont’s scenery Brian Mclaughlin of the Department of Corrections told an audience of about 25 social service agency and law enforcement representatives Tuesday. They do like something that most state residents cherish, a sense of safety, but mostly “they’re here strictly for the money,” Mr. Mclaughlin said.

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Cities may have Black Friday for one day, but Newport merchants answer that with a promotion of their own: Small Business Week. Many area retail stores will be offering incentives and discounts during this Shop Small, Shop Local week, from Saturday, November 29, to Saturday, December 6. Merchants and restaurants throughout Newport are planning this event, designed to kick off the big holiday shopping season locally.

In addition to the savings, shoppers can enter to win prizes from local businesses when they stop in and shop locally. Prizes will be awarded on December 6 during the Newport Santa Festival. Details about the Santa Festival can be found at www.newportlive.com.

To make the Newport and Derby area more accessible and easy to shop, Rural Community Transportation (RCT) will be offering a special, free bus route on the first day of Small Business Week, November 29, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., between Main Street in Newport to Country Thyme and Jed’s Maple in Derby. Busses will stop at retail shops along that route, running on the half-hour.

The important contributions small businesses make to their communities is recognized by Newport City Renaissance Corporation and Vermont’s North Country Chamber of Commerce, who are jointly promoting the Shop Small, Shop Local campaign. The promotion is designed to encourage Northeast Kingdom residents to support independent businesses in the Newport area by doing their holiday shopping within the community.

As part of the weeklong promotion, local businesses will be giving away Shop Small gifts, such as tote bags, buttons, and balloons, while supplies last.

For more information about Shop Small, Shop Local, visit www.discovernewportvt.com. — from the Newport City Renaissance Corporation.

NEWPORT — The Newport man who crushed multiple police cruisers with a tractor just over two years ago could be only weeks away from seeing all 16 charges arising from the incident dismissed.

At a hearing here Tuesday in the Criminal Division of Superior Court, both the prosecutor and the defense attorney agreed with psychiatric findings that Roger Pion, 36, of Newport was insane at the time of the incident.

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There were technical difficulties at the last scheduled screening of American Winter, so Rural Edge is sponsoring another free showing on Monday, October 6, at 6 p.m. at the Gateway Center in Newport.

American Winter presents an intimate snapshot of the state of the nation’s economy as it’s playing out in the lives of real American families.

Few people would argue that “the American dream” has changed and controversy swirls around why people end up homeless or in poverty and what they should or can do about their situations and what the government and fellow citizens should or can do. American Winter, by Emmy award-winning filmmakers Joe and Harry Gantz, highlights the work of “211 Info” in Portland, Oregon, a hotline connecting callers with community resources and social services. The film follows eight families who experience homelessness after loss of employment.

The film shows a lot of spirit and creativity, and a big change in attitudes in the people featured who once shared the idea that people became poor from being lazy, or that cutting social assistance was a good way to save money and better the nation. One woman in the film said that prior to her own need for assistance, she thought it was “easy for people who depended on government programs” and that “the system bred abuse.” Now she thinks that safety net programs “help keep families like [hers] just barely above water.”

A community discussion will follow the film.

The screening is sponsored by Rural Edge, the Newport Community Justice Center, HealthWorks ONE Coalition, and Northeast Kingdom Learning Services.
For more information, call Healthworks ONE at 334-6532, extension 8. — from Healthworks One.